Cleaning agent dispensing device in a dishwasher

ABSTRACT

In an automatic dishwashing machine of the type having a cabinet enclosing a wash chamber, dish supporting racks mounted in the chamber and fluid recirculation and distribution apparatus extending into the chamber, a manually fillable cleaning agent receptacle is mounted within the chamber so as to be responsive to the initial movement of a movable part of the fluid distribution apparatus whereby, when the machine is placed into operation, the receptacle is caused to discharge its load into the chamber.

United States Patent [72] Inventor 01in Dossey Louisville, Ky. [211 App]. No. 38,934 [22] Filed May 20, 1970 [45] Patented Oct. 12, I971 [73] Assignee General Electric Company [54] CLEANING AGENT DISPENSING DEVICE IN DISHWASHER 6 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 134/93, 222/166 [51] Int. Cl .1 B08b 3/02, B08b 13/00 [50] Field of Search 134/93, 100, 101. 176, 179; 222/166; 68/17 R, 17 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,653,618 9/1953 Frank 134/93 2,969,072 1/1961 Barritt..... 134/93 3,077,200 2/1963 Guth 134/176 1 011151019 PATENTS 1,220,449 5/1960 France 222/166 Primary Examiner-Robert L. Bleutge AnorneysGeorge C Atwell, Francis H. Boos, Jr., Frank L.

Neuhauser, Oscar B. Waddell and Joseph B. Forman ABSTRACT: In an automatic dishwashing machine of the type having a cabinet enclosing a wash chamber, dish supporting racks mounted in the chamber and fluid recirculation and distribution apparatus extending into the chamber, a manually fillable cleaning agent receptacle is mounted within the chamber so as to be responsive to the initial movement of a movable part of the fluid distribution apparatus whereby, when the machine is placed into operation, the receptacle is caused to discharge its load into the chamber.

PATENTED 00112192; 3,612 074 sum 1 or 2 FlG.l

INVENTOR. ouN DossEV w eamZZ ms TTORNEY PATENIED um I 21971 3 O74 SHEET 2 OF 2 27 F 3 INVENTOR.

OLIN DOSSEY H\S ATTORNEY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It has been found desirable in many conventionalautomatic dishwashing machines to provide an operation cycle therewith having a plurality of wash steps separated by one or more rinsing steps therebetween in order to'effectively clean away stubborn soil from pots and pans and similar kitchenware. Since each wash step of the operational cycle requires the addition of a newcharge of treating agent, dispensing means must be provided that is adapted to discharge a predetermined quantity of treating agent to the wash chamber at the beginning of each wash step. Treating agent dispensing means having two or even three separate containers or cups for ,automatically dispensing a charge of treating agent into the wash chamber have become quite common.

Some treating agent dispensing devices are designed to be electrically actuated by means of a solenoid or a currentresponsive device such as a bimetal element so that the device may be controlled by a switch associated with the sequence control device of the machine. One type of electrically controlled dispensing device is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,0l2,696, issued Dec. 12, 1961, to N. L. Kendt and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

It is also not uncommon to adapt a treating agent dispensing device in an automatic dishwasher to be mechanically actuated to dispense its load of detergent or the like by means of cam-operated linkage extending between the dispenser and the sequence control device. This mechanically actuated type of dispensing device, such as the type disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,419,190, issued Dec. 3 l i968, to M. R. Kauffman et al., and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, has the advantage of freeing switch contacts of the sequence control device whereby further refinements may be made in the machine by the addition of more timer controlled components without the necessity of adding a more elaborate and expensive control device having additional available switch contacts.

There have also been departures both from mechanical linkage mechanisms and electrically operated means of treating agent dispensing devices by designing devices to be responsive to the flow of liquid within the wash chamber whereby the device or a portion thereof is caused to pivot and discharge its load in response to the liquid flow entering the wash chamber. US. Pat. No. 2,689,576, issued Sept. 2 l 1954, to C. N. Colstad and U.S. Pat. No. 2,969,072, issued Jan. 24, 196i to M. E. Barritt disclose examples of liquid flow responsive devices that enable the use of a comparatively less expensive sequence control device as compared to that which may be required where the means of actuating a treating agent dispensing device is directly linked to the sequence control device.

Improvements in recent years of the efiiciency of the washing action in domestic dishwashing-machines occasioned by general operational improvement and the addition of such components as soft food disposers andsoil filters have made possible a change in the sequential steps in the dishwasher operational cycle. Whereas previously it was considerednecessary,-as heretofore described, to begin the cycle with a prerinse step, it is now practical, to initiate awashing step at the very outset of the cycle. The present invention is con.- sidered to be particularly useful in a dishwashing machine having a cycle that begins with a wash step andrequires more than a single treating agent dispensing device to effect its cleaning operation.

It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a relatively simplified means for automatically discharging a predetermined quantity of treating agent in the wash chamber of a dishwashing machine.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a treating agent dispensing device for a dishwasher that may be disposed in a position whereby it may be easily manually filled by the user of the machine at the time soiled kitchenware is placed into the machine to be washed.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide a treating agent dispensing device adapted to be actuated by a movable portion of the liquid distribution apparatus within the wash chamber of the machine and thereby obviate the need for employing switch contacts of the sequence control device of the machine.

It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a relatively simple treating agent dispensing device that is 1 adapted to be thoroughly washed, dried and prepared for future use during each operational cycle of the dishwashing machine.

It is believed that the present invention will be found particularly useful in modifying present dishwasher models of the type presently having only a single load means of automatically dispensing'treating agent into the wash chamber.

SUMMARY or "ma mvErmoN In an automatic dishwashing machine of the type having a cabinet defining a wash chamber and washing fluid distribution. apparatus for generating a washing action within the chamber, a treating'agent dispensing means, including a container for receiving the treating agent therein, is mounted within the chamber and disposed to facilitate manual filling of the container before the machine is placed into operation. The container is preferably adapted to pivot from a first loading position to a second load-dumping or discharge position. The dispensing means is preferably located to intersect the plane of movement of a movable portion of the fluid distribution apparatus within the machine's wash chamber so that movement of such portion will cause the treating agent to be dispensed from its container and into the wash chamber. The latter action is preferably accomplished by arranging the container to pivot from its first position, in response to being struck by the movable portion of the fluid distribution apparatus to the second position, to thereby discharge its load into the wash chamber.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed specifically for use with the type of liquid distribution apparatus wherein a vertically extensible liquid distribution tube moves upwardly in response to liquid pressure generated therethrough when liquid recirculation takes place at the beginning of the washing step in the operational cycle of the dishwashing machine.

The treating agent dispensing means of the present invention is preferably intended for dispensing a powdered or granular dishwashing detergent in an automatic dishwashing machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an automatic dishwashing machine wherein a preferred embodiment of the treating agent dispensing device of the present invention is utilized;

FIG. 2 is a plan {view showing the preferred embodiment of the treating agent dispensing device of the present invention in its loading or receiving position;

FIG. 3 is a view in vertical section of the preferred embodiment of the treating agent dispensing device of the present invention showing details of the construction of the preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 4-is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the treating agent dispensing device of the present invention shown in a disassembled arrangement relative to a portion of the lower dish rack of a dishwashing machine on which the device is preferably mounted.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawing and particularly to FIG. I, there is illustrated an automatic dishwasher having an outer cabinet 11 which defines therein a wash chamber 12. Disposed within wash chamber 12 are dish supporting racks 13 and 14 which are adapted to support dishes and similar items while they are being washed by dishwasher 10. Access is provided to wash chamber 12 by means of a closure member or door 15 pivotally secured to cabinet 11 by a hinge member 16. Dishwasher 10 may be of the portable type and, if so, may be provided with rollers 17 interconnected to the cabinet 11 by a support or frame member 18. A handle 19 may also be provided to facilitate movement of the dishwasher 10 from place to place.

The lower extremity of the wash chamber 12 is defined by a bottom wall 20 which has a centrally depressed portion forming a sump 21. Centrally disposed within sump 21 and is supported by the bottom wall 20 is a motor-pump assembly 22. The motor-pump assembly 22 includes a reversible electric motor 23 and a pump 24 directly, mechanically linked to the motor 23. Rotatably supported atop pump 24 is a main spray device in the form of a reaction-driven type of spray arm 25 having a plurality of orifices 26 spaced therealong which enable fluid spray action within the wash chamber 12 when washing liquid is propelled therethrough by the pump 24. Extending upwardly from the central portion of the spray arm 25 is a spray tube 27 having a vertically extensible or telescoping portion 28 that moves upwardly in response to liquid pressure therethrough to effectuate additional washing action upon dishes supported by rack 14. The additional washing action is made possible by the provision of orifices 29 at the upper end of the telescoping portion 28. An electrical resistance heating element 30 is supported from the bottom wall 20 and is utilized to heat washing liquid within the wash chamber 12 and to heat the atmosphere therein whereby dishware supported in racks 13 and 14 may be dried after the completion of the washing and rinsing steps in the operational cycle of the machine.

It is to be understood, that the foregoing description of the dishwasher 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is of a general nature and should not be considered necessarily critical to the present invention. Also, many aspects of the motor-pump assembly 22 may vary a great deal from the specific details described in connection with the preferred illustrated embodiment.

The pump 24 of the motor-pump assembly 22 is of the axial flow type that includes a lower impeller (not shown) directly mechanically linked to the shaft of the motor 23. In one direction of rotation of the shaft of the motor 23, the lower impeller draws washing liquid from sump 21 through an inlet means 32 and propels the washing liquid out through an affluent discharge conduit 33 that communicates with the household sewage system (not shown). Pump 24 also includes an upper impeller (not shown) which, when the shaft of motor 23 rotates in the opposite direction, draws washing liquid from the sump 21 through the inlet means 32 and propels the liquid up through the spray arm 25 and thence through spray tube 27. The vertically extensible portion 28 carried in the spray tube 27 is then actuated to move upwardly by force of the liquid flow therethrough to effectuate a washing action within the wash chamber 12.

In automatic dishwashers having liquid distribution apparatus of the general type represented by the pump and spray devices heretofore described, it is customary to provide a lower dish-supporting rack such as the rack 13 with a central tunnel area 35 to accommodate the vertically extended spray tube 27. In the front-opening type dishwasher cabinet (not shown) the tunnel area 35 would run from the center of the rack toward the rear to enable the rack to be slid outwardly on a roller and track arrangement so that the rack can be extended through the cabinet access opening for loading dishes therein.

In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the portion of the tunnel area at the center of the rack 13 is defined by spaced-apart plastic coated wire rod rack frame members 36 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. The frame members 36 may be utilized as a base on which to mount a treating agent dispensing device in accordance with the present invention.

The dispenser device 38 in accordance with the present invention broadly comprises, in the preferred embodiment, an open-top container 39 pivotally supported by a frame member 40. Means for fastening the frame member in its operative position within the wash chamber of a washing machine are also provided. As shown in FIG. 4, the fastening means may comprise rigid fastening elements 41 shaped to accommodate the coated wire rod frame members 36 of the rack 13. Openings 43 may be provided through the fastening elements 41 to accommodate self-tapping screws 44 for joining the fastening elements to threaded sockets 45 (FIG. 3) molded into the frame member structure.

In the type of dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 wherein the movable portion that is utilized to actuate the treating agent dispensing device 38 is the vertically extensible portion 28 of the machines liquid distribution apparatus, the device 38 is mounted centrally on the lower supporting rack 13 on the top surface of the rack across the plane of movement of the extensible portion 28. When the machine 10 is placed into operation and a flow of liquid is pumped through the liquid distribution apparatus, the portion 28 moves upwardly through the central opening of the frame member 40. By so doing, the portion 28 strikes against the undersurface of the container 39 and causes it to pivot relative to the frame member 40 from its load receiving position (see FIGS. 1 and 2) to its load dumping position (see FIG. 3

In its preferred embodiment the treating agent dispensing device 38 shown in the drawings is molded of inexpensive plastic material. The container 39 of the treating agent dispensing device 38 has a central tub portion 46 with a substantially wide rim or lip 47 thereabout. An end portion 48 extends perpendicularly and downwardly relative to the rim 47. The tub portion 46 of the container 39 has an open top and may be designed in a size to receive and hold a specific quantity of treating agent, such as powdered detergent, to give optimum washing action in the particular dishwashing machine in which the device is installed.

The frame member 40 that supports the container may be molded to have a spaced apart double wall construction defining a substantially large opening 49, as indicated most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3. Oppositely disposed slots 52 are provided in the inner wall of the frame member 40 to accommodate the fingerlike pins 53 extending laterally from the containers end portion 48. In FIG. 4, which shows the device 38 in a disassembled arrangement, the container 39 is shown disposed beneath the frame member 40, however, when the device 38 is assembled in its installed position on the dish supporting rack 13, such as shown in FIG. 2, the portion of the containers rim 47 at the end thereof opposite the end portion 48 extends over the top surface of the frame member 40 and rests thereon when the container 39 is in its load receiving position.

Since the width of the container 39 taken laterally across the top from rim edge to rim edge is slightly less than the width of the frame member's central opening 49, the container 39 may be slipped upwardly through the opening 49 by tilting it so that the rim portion 47 at the end thereof opposite the end portion 48 is inserted first. Then the pins 53 of the container 39 may be slipped upwardly into the slots 52 whereupon the frame member 40 may be positioned over the top surfaces of the spaced apart wire rod rack members 36. Then the fastening elements 41 can be inserted upwardly between the spaced apart frame member side walls and fastened in a hidden position as shown in FIG. 3.

When the container 39 is struck on its bottom by the extensible portion 28 and is thereby caused to pivot from the position shown in FIG. 2 to that shown in FIG. 3, the container 39 assumes a load dumping position wherein, preferably, it is oriented to be thoroughly washed out by sprayed washing liquid directed upwardly through the dish supporting rack 13 by the spray device 26 that moves therebeneath (seeFlG. 1). For the preferred embodiment shown, experimentation has shown that the position shown in FIG. 3 enables the container 39 to be thoroughly washed and rinsed and then dried during the operational cycle of a dishwashing machine without interfering with the washing action required for items stored adjacent thereto in the dish-supporting rack.

To assure that the container 39 will be properly positioned for thorough washing without interference with the washing of other dishes in the wash chamber 12, it is important to provide stop means to arrest the pivotal movement of the container 39 when it is caused to move from its load receiving position to its load dumping position. In the preferred fonn shown in the drawings the edge of the container 39, where the end portion 48 merges with the containers rim 47, strikes a ledge or step 55 provided in the frame member 40 to thereby prevent further downward movement of the container 39 from the position shown in FIG. 3.

Before each use of the dishwashing machine 10, shown in FIG. 1, the container 39 is manually repositioned for filling by the operator of the machine. Whether the device 38 is mounted on the rack of a top opening or front opening type of dishwasher cabinet, it is centrally located to facilitate filling it with the proper amount of treating agent. When the operator begins to load soiled items into the machine prior to placing it into operation, the container 39 is disposed as shown in FIG. 3. Since, in this position the container juts upwardly into the open area above the rack, it serves as a flag to catch the attention of the operator whereupon the operator may quickly flip the container back to the position shown in H6. 1.

The foregoing description and the accompanying drawings, which pertain to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are not intended to limit the invention since it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. it is therefore intended in the appended claims to cover such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

I. In a washing machine having a cabinet defining a wash chamber and having washing fluid distribution apparatus in the chamber including a portion thereof that is movable during the distribution of the washing fluid, treating agent dispensing means for use therein comprising a treating agent container adapted to be mounted within the chamber in the path of movement of a portion of the liquid distribution apparatus whereby the container is actuated by movement of the portion and is thereby caused to empty its contents during operation of the machine.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 and the container is adapted to be mounted generally centrally on a support rack for actuation by the portion of the liquid distribution apparatus.

3. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein the container has an open top, and is mounted to pivot from a first position wherein its open top faces generally upwardly to a second, load-dumping position.

4. The invention defined in claim 3 including a frame member for supporting the container in its first position, and wherein the container is pivotally mounted to the frame member whereby it may be pivoted from its first position to its second position.

5. An automatic dishwashing machine comprising a cabinet defining a wash chamber, a dish-supporting rack within the chamber, fluid-pressure responsive washing apparatus extending into the chamber and generally beneath the rack and having a vertically extensible member movable between a nonoperative retracted position and an operative extended position wherein a portion of the member extends through and above the level of the rack, the rack having an opening therethrough in the path of extension of the extensible member, a container carried on the rack and positioned across its opening whereby the extensible member, in movlng to its extended position, projects through the opening and pushes the container away from the opening and thereby causes it to empty its contents into the wash chamber.

6. The invention defined in claim 5 wherein the washing apparatus has a spray device disposed beneath the rack with liquid discharge apertures for directing liquid generally upwardly in the chamber, and the container is mounted to pivot from a first position wherein it covers the opening in the rack to a second position wherein it is disposed to drain into the wash chamber. 

1. In a washing machine having a cabinet defining a wash chamber and having washing fluid distribution apparatus in the chamber including a portion thereof that is movable during the distribution of the washing fluid, treating agent dispensing means for use therein comprising a treating agent container adapted to be mounted within the chamber in the path of movement of a portion of the liquid distribution apparatus whereby the container is actuated by movement of the portion and is thereby caused to empty its contents during operation of the machine.
 2. The invention as defined in claim 1 and the container is adapted to be mounted generally centrally on a support rack for actuation by the portion of the liquid distribution apparatus.
 3. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein the container has an open top, and is mounted to pivot from a first position wherein its open top faces generally upwardly to a second, load-dumping position.
 4. The invention defined in claim 3 including a frame member for supporting the container in its first position, and wherein the container is pivotally mounted to the frame member whereby it may be pivoted from its first position to its second position.
 5. An automatic dishwashing machine comprising a cabinet defining a wash chamber, a dish-supporting rack within the chamber, fluid-pressure responsive washing apparatus extending into the chamber and generally beneath the rack and having a vertically extensible member movable between a nonoperative retracted position and an operative extended position wherein a portion of the member extends through and above the level of the rack, the rack having an opening therethrough in the path of extension of the extensible member, a container carried on the rack and positioned across its opening whereby the extensible member, in moving to its extended position, projects through the opening and pushes the container away from the opening and thereby causes it to empty its contents into the wash chamber.
 6. The invention defined in claim 5 wherein the washing apparatus has a spray device disposed beneath the rack with liquid discharge apertures for directing liquid generally upwardly in the chamber, and the container is mounted to pivot from a first position wherein it covers the opening in the rack to a second position wherein it is disposed to drain into the wash chamber. 